IPL 7: We are a much better batting unit than this, says Virat Kohli

Kohli said that when he batted, he felt it was a good wicket. (Photo: BCCI/IPL)

A dejected Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli wants to “forget” the humiliating defeat against Rajasthan Royals even though he
conceded that poor application was responsible for being shot out for 70 in an IPL encounter here on Saturday.

“Looks like we didn’t arrive on the field today,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“It was one of those days that we need to forget quickly. The pressure created by Royals was extended over a long time. When you lose wicket every over, it builds up pressure. When I batted, I felt it was a good wicket, but that’s what happens when you lose wickets.”

“There were two played ons and a run-out. These unfortunate dismissals cost us. I believe we are a much better batting unit than this.”

His opposite number Shane Watson was elated after a comprehensive win having lost badly to Chennai Super Kings in the last game.

“It was a great way for us to bounce back after that loss against Chennai. It was good that we could create some chaos in the Bangalore ranks,” Watson said.

He was all praise for veteran leggie Pravin Tambe who won the man of the match award for his four-wicket haul.

“He (Tambe) is very skillful and reads the batsman’s mind very well. He is very cagey bowler. I play him a lot of the nets and is pretty difficult to get away.”

Watson’s reading was contrary to what Kohli felt about the strip.

“This pitch is slightly drier than the last time we played here and is a bit two paced in nature. Though there is a layer of grass covering, batsmen are still committed to playing early due to the two-paced nature of the track.”

Tambe, on his part, felt that his tactic of bowling the googly against left-handers worked as he got left-handers Albie Morkel and Ravi Rampaul with the wrong ones.

“I love bowling. The wrong one has worked for me in the nets against left-handers and I thought that I might as well try it out in the match situation.”